Combat Center participates in annual Grubstake Days

Yucca Valley, Calif. -- Combat Center Marines and sailors participated in the annual Grubstake Days Parade along California Highway 62 in Yucca Valley May 28, 2016.

The town holds the Annual Grubstake Days festival to embrace the mining heritage of the Yucca Valley community. In addition to the parade, events held for the celebration include a golf tournament, a rodeo, beard growing competition, horseshoe throwing and a carnival.

The Combat Center Color Guard, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Tank Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Provost Marshal’s Office, Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital Twentynine Palm’s Color Guard and Combat Center Fire Department, represented the Combat Center with vehicles and marching displays.

“It’s great to be able to represent the Combat Center on this platform,” said Sgt. Heather Keasler, color sergeant, Combat Center Color Guard. “Participating in an event that means so much to the local community is a great way to show our appreciation and support for them.”

This year was the 66th anniversary of the parade, hosted by the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce and the town of Yucca Valley. According to Wanda Stadum, YVCC president, the chamber plans to continue inviting military members to participate in the parade.

“I enjoyed the parade and I especially enjoy the Marine base being so close by,” said Robert Garcia, parade spectator and a Yucca Valley native. “I wish we had more chances to mingle with the Marines, who are doing their best to keep this country safe.”